David Kidney MP Listens to Local Retailer

9 June 2006

Staffordshire retailer Peter Mallhi hosted a visit from local MP at his Premier store on Charnley Road. The visit was organised by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and offered the opportunity for Mr Mallhi to raise key issues with his local MP.

This is the latest store visit as part of an ongoing programme by ACS to promote grass roots lobbying by local retailers.

The key issues that were raised with Mr Kidney, who is keen to promote the importance of neighbourhood shops in the local community, were the relaxation of Sunday trading hours, age restricted sales and the upcoming Competition Commission inquiry into the grocery market.

Mr Kidney said: “I was concerned to hear how much pressure independent retailers are under, not least due to the power of their larger competitors.  PG Stores is an example of a local shop playing a really important role in the local community.  Local residents and national policy-makers should support stores like this, and right now the onus is on the Competition Commission through their inquiry into the grocery market to introduce measures to bring about a level playing field, such as a ban on below cost selling by the major multiples.”

Mr Mallhi said: “It was very useful to meet with David Kidney MP to discus the issues that affect my business.  It is important that retailers give their local MP the facts about their business, especially concerning the challenge of competing with the superstores’ enormous buying power and below cost selling.  Despite these challenges, we believe we offer a great personal service to our customers, and I was grateful to be able to explain to David the role we play in our local community.”

James Lowman, from the Association of Convenience Stores, said: “David Kidney is extremely interested in issues relating to local shops, and convenience stores in his constituency can rest assured they have a strong voice in Parliament.  By showing MPs what convenience stores have to offer, we can build support in Parliament.  We would encourage all convenience stores to do what Pater Mallhi has done, and to invite their MP to visit their store to share their views on key issues.”